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3500-Mo MOLYBDENUM
Molybdenum (Mo) is the second element in Group VIB in the
periodic table; it has an atomic number of 42, and atomic weight of
95.95, and valences of 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. The average abundance of
Mo in the earth’s crust is 1.2 ppm; in soils it is 2.5 ppm; in streams
it is 1 ␮g/L, and in groundwaters it is ⬍0.1 mg/L. Molybdenum
occurs naturally as molybdenite (MoS2) and wulfenite (PbMoO4). It
is used in alloys, ink pigments, catalysts, and lubricants.
Joint Task Group: 20th Edition—See 3500-Al.
METALS (3000)
The common aqueous species are HMoO4⫺, MoO42⫺, and
organic complexes. It is considered an essential trace element for
plants and animals. The United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organization recommended maximum level for irrigation waters
is 0.01 mg/L.
Use one of the flame atomic absorption spectrometric methods
(3111D or E), the electrothermal atomic absorption spectromet-
ric method (3113B), or one of the inductively coupled plasma
methods (3120 or 3125).